Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.

Weakness and spasms after DIEP

waves2stars
waves2stars Member Posts: 152

I had a Diep flap reconstruction in September of 2021. I had ongoing problems with lower abdominal weakness and cramps like large charley horses since recovery. It’s only on one side. I’ve had pt with a group who specializes in breast cancer patients, and pt remotely through MD Anderson. They all focus on building strength and stretching. I can’t believe that 2 1/2 years out I get severe stomach spasms from reaching and twisting with grocery bags, picking up my dogs, or coughing! The more I work my midsection the worse the spasms are! I’m starting to think it is just a problem with how the nerves healed, and wanted to see if anyone has experienced something similar or tried acupuncture or Botox or something other than exercise to alleviate this. Please, any suggestions, spit balls or what have you, are appreciated!

Comments

  • abp221
    abp221 Member Posts: 1

    Hi there, I too had DIEP flap reconstruction in 2021 and for the last 8 months or so have been experiencing the same spasms. I actually just visited my surgeon today at Brigham & Womens and he also recommended PT. I would love to connect privately to discuss if you were open to that. I am so curious if you have since tried acupuncture.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,739

    @abp221 - Welcome to our community and thank you for posting! This discussion was posted back in May, so @waves2stars might not see your post… If you’d like to reach out privately, you can send her a private message by clicking on her username and selecting the "message" button. Let us know if you need help with that.

    We’re so glad you’re here, and we hope you find this space supportive and helpful.

    Warm regards,

    The Mods